September 30, 2018

White Dog graciously moved to let Steve help Nilla onto the Queen's mattress. "Really, I do not mind," WD said. "It is kind of nice that she wants to be in here with all of us."

Sometimes, out of no where, Nilla seems to have a spark of a treasured memory that cuts through the dementia that is overtaking her and brings her back to places that not so very long ago where part of her routine.

One of those former routines was that Nilla loved to curl up on White Dog's big mattress and sleep next to her sister against the door and file cabinet. WD never seemed to mind and Nilla seemed to find a special comfort there.

Nilla hardly comes into the office any longer. She has a difficult time navigating past all of the White Dogs and stepping up onto the mattress. But tonight after dinner she was insistent on coming in; she did pretty well with the cognitive demands of weaving her way and Steve helped her up onto the mattress. She looked around, pleased, before settling down to rest and share the office community. Her smile made us all smile.

After about half an hour she shook her head with a start and moved in confusion to sort out her situation. Clearly the memory had faded. "How about I put you in momma's arms and you take your meds," Steve told her as he gently placed her in my arms. Then I will take you back to the front porch where you can lie on your mat, listen to the evening sounds and wait for walk time."

I reached down to caress White Dog's ears. "Thank you, Sweet One. Your kindness gave Nilla a little happy piece of her past, a connection. You are an awesome Leader of the Pack."